This post is about ‘Allies’ and the importance in having them in our lives. I will begin discussing what an ‘ally’ means to me and how we tend to ‘forget’ what we are and how our allies can help us ‘remember ourselves’.
This term comes from the philosophy of G.I Gurdjieff and is referenced in the work of Carlos Castaneda. Both refer to those people or groups that we use to further our metaphysical understanding of our selves, our lives and what we are.
It has been a long time since I first read about the ‘work’ in G.I. Gurdjieff’s terms and realize that there have been long periods of time in my life that I was ‘asleep’, according to his terms.
Although we all go in and out of this state of ‘consciousness’ or ‘unconsciousness’, learning to control our thoughts is an important key and having ‘allies’ is one way to help ourselves do so.
This is an ongoing conversation so… based on one comment, let me add that yes there are many types of allies in our lives, for example my friends Jim and Jeff’s alliance with me is based on Mt. Bike riding, however over time we have also built great friendships. This is one type of ally(or two if you count friendship). I believe all allies are good for each other, however, the type of ally in ‘the work’ which refers to our own ‘work on our higher selves’ is not necessarily a friend but one who is interested in the same type of ‘the work’ and helps us step out of our ‘normal waking state’ to a higher state of consciousness, which, by the way most of us can only remain in for short periods.
Any thoughts?
Hi Steve!
Synonyms 1. unify, join, combine, wed. 4. partner, confederate. 6. friend, aide, accomplice, accessory, assistant, abettor; colleague, coadjutor, auxiliary, helper. “ALLY” is a big word – with only four letters. The implications are many. I wanted to comment on “Situational” or “Conditional” allies. In many cases, the distance between, or choice of, “Friend (Ally) or Foe is based on the conditions that exist at the time of first contact, or the situation you are in when contact first occurs. An individual suffering from a “failed relationship” would ordinarily be more receptive to a romantic overture from a stranger, than he,… Read more »
Howdy Spokesman Dave,
now that the settings have been revised, please continue your thoughts on distinction and I will add my thoughts.
WLYa
Hi, I was adjusting settings for the forum when you responded. You can now type approximately 600 words.
Howdy Steve. Well said…
I think there needs to be a distinction made between: “Lifelong” ally and “situational or conditional” ally. What am I saying? Here goes. As children we grow up acquiring allies at many different levels and stages. In most cases our parent (s) or ciblings – can’t type mo
OK, I found it!
Well, you got me going. I’m now rummaging through my library, looking for the Gurdjieff book I know I have…somewhere.
Hi Steve, It’s been a long time since I read G.I. Gurdjieff’s works. Please elaborate about the ‘asleep’ aspect of your discussion.
Hi Tony,
He said we were essentially ‘asleep’ for most of our waking hours, meaning we were awake but not aware. ‘Aware’ being a state of consciousness that we are inherently capable of, but seldom experience due to our conscious being filled with ‘internal dialogue’ I think of being ‘awake’ as similar to the state of meditation.